The Saudi Electricity Company is set to introduce prepaid electricity cards in about six months, Engineer Ali Al-Barak, Executive President of the company, said. These cards will replace the current electricity bill system, Asharq Al-Awsat daily quoted him as saying. Al-Barak pointed out that the prime objective behind this step is to enable power consumers to rationalize their consumption since prepaid cards will make it possible for them to find the exact volume of current they consume. Prepaid cards will also help consumers in rationalizing their monthly budgets, he said. The scheme will greatly help consumers in avoiding the inconveniences resulting from power disconnection in the case of non-payment of bills before the due date, Al-Barak added. The new system has evolved over several years of intensive studies during which the company sent its experts and engineers to countries applying the system, Al-Barak said. He said the company will provide subscribers with new meters compatible with the new system. Al-Barak said the prepaid cards will be made available at all shops and malls as is the case of prepaid mobile phone cards. __
